KUWAIT CITY, Sept 7: Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, and Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, visited Iraqi national football player Ayman Hussein, who was transferred to Kuwait’s Al-Sabah Hospital on Friday morning from Basra, Iraq. This transfer followed the deterioration of Hussein’s health condition after an injury sustained during the Iraqi national team's match against Oman on Thursday evening in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

In a press statement after visiting the player, Minister Al-Mutairi expressed his wishes for Hussein’s swift recovery and return to the football field. He emphasized that the rapid response of Kuwaiti authorities in transferring the player to Kuwait for treatment and conducting comprehensive medical examinations was in line with the directives of the political leadership to care for athletes and guests in Kuwait.

Minister Al-Mutairi also praised the Ministry of Health for providing excellent medical care, which contributed to stabilizing the player’s condition. He extended his gratitude to Minister Al-Awadhi for his attention and guidance to the ministry’s staff in ensuring that Hussein received all necessary medical services.

Minister Al-Awadhi confirmed that as soon as the Iraqi side requested the transfer of the player to Kuwait for treatment, the Ministry of Health responded immediately and took the necessary steps based on the player’s condition. He expressed his hope for Hussein’s speedy recovery and return to football.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Ambassador to Kuwait, Al-Munhal Al-Safi, expressed appreciation for the care provided by Kuwaiti authorities, which contributed to stabilizing the player’s health. He confirmed that Hussein’s condition is now stable and that he is receiving excellent medical attention.

The visit was also attended by Adnan Darjal, President of the Iraqi Football Association, Ahmed Al-Enezi, Vice President of the Kuwaiti Football Association, as well as members of the Kuwaiti and Iraqi football federations and staff from the Iraqi Embassy in Kuwait.

Earlier in the day, the Iraqi Football Association issued a press statement confirming that Hussein had sustained a rib injury early in the match but continued playing until being substituted in the second half. After it was discovered that the injury was more serious, it was decided to transfer him to Kuwait for treatment via the border crossing.